Breckenridge
Within an hour of Breckenridge, you will find world-class whitewater rafting on the Blue River, Colorado River, Arkansas River, and Clear Creek. From intense whitewater to family friendly options, there is a rafting trip (or multiple!) for every group. The nearby Blue River is home to splashy class III rafting, while Buena Vista and Idaho Springs offer a range of rafting opportunities from class III through V. Check out the Colorado River for relaxing float trips, along with fly fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking!
The Summit of Adventure
Breckenridge, Colorado is the place to visit if you are looking for a hip mountain town with access to the best outdoor adventures the Colorado mountains have to offer. Located within Summit County, Breckenridge offers all-season adventure opportunities, including biking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, with easy access to rafting, ziplining, Via Ferrata, and more.
Explore Breckenridge
Top Trips
Whitewater Rafting trips from the mellow and mild to the wet and wild are all easy day-trips from Breckenridge. Choose from shorter, 2-hour adventures to overnight trips. AVA offers experiences on the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Blue River, and Clear Creek with a wide array of choices, allowing you to find the perfect river trip for you and your party.
Breckenridge is also an ideal central location for all of our outdoor adventure opportunities, including Ziplining, Via Ferrata, Rock climbing, Fly Fishing, and more! Breckenridge is additionally the location for our Bike Rentals, allowing you to explore the paved paths and dirt trails of Summit County.
Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting
Blue River Rafting
The Blue River is just a half hour from Breckenridge in Silverthorne, Colorado. This river is known for stunning Rocky Mountain Views, including the Gore Range and of Quandary Peak and is a tributary of the Colorado River. Raft the Blue River Express for an exciting and scenic trip on class III rapids!
Arkansas River Rafting
Located just an hour and 15 minutes away from Breckenridge, Colorado, our Buena Vista outpost provides access to the majestic Arkansas River. Rafters on this river will be treated to breathtaking scenery, including the impressive Collegiate Peak Mountain Range within the Sawatch Range.
Experience the thrill of navigating the Browns Canyon National Monument with our Browns Canyon 1/2 Day trip . This intermediate whitewater adventure offers plenty of opportunities to admire the stunning granite canyon, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife. For those looking for a full-day adventure, choose the Browns Canyon Sizzler or 24 Hours in Browns, our overnight trip where you can camp riverside and sleep under the stars.
If you’re seeking more intense rapids, our Numbers 1/2 day trip is perfect for you. Prepare to tackle the most continuous whitewater rafting section of the Arkansas River, featuring exhilarating class IV rapids. And for the most daring adventurers, our Gauntlet or Rappel into the Gauntlet excursions await. Begin the day with an optional 75-foot rappel to a waiting raft and experience the adrenaline rush of conquering the Arkansas River’s steepest section, complete with heart-pumping class V rapids.
Colorado River Rafting
Flowing from the Continental Divide to Mexico’s Gulf of California, the Colorado River travels through 7 states and the Grand Canyon, providing water to 36 million people. AVA is lucky enough to have access to the Upper Colorado River from our Kremmling outpost, one hour from Breckenridge.
On the Colorado River, we offer scenic half and full day float trips with opportunities for Inflatable Kayak and Stand up Paddleboarding trips. Visitors experience a few gentle rapids, as this section flows through the Gore Range. Our float trips allow for plenty of time to relax, swim, and sunbathe on the river! We also run an overnight 24 Hours on the Upper Colorado trip, where visitors have the opportunity to experience day and night on the beautiful Upper Colorado River, as well as our Fly-Fishing trips, including walk and wade, Float, and overnight options.
Clear Creek Rafting
Clear Creek is also located one hour from Breckenridge, with our outpost in Idaho Springs providing access to the river. Clear creek offers rafting for all ages and ability levels and represents the best rafting near the Denver area. Clear Creek travels through historic Idaho Springs and its mining valley, reaping stunning Colorado views and wildlife along the way.
For a milder introduction to whitewater rafting and trip perfect for all ages, choose our Clear Creek Gold Rush trip and rush through eleven class III rapids. Our Upper Clear Creek 1/2 Day trip will take you through slightly more advanced class IV rapids, while our Lower Canyon 1/2 day trip provides an introductory option to more challenging class V whitewater rapids with steeper technical sections to get your heart racing. For those seeking intense thrills and exciting rapids, choose our Phoenix trip. This is a full day advanced trip with 20 miles of thrilling adventure and non-stop excitement!
Discover Breckenridge
The Closest River to Breckenridge
The nearest river to Breckenridge is the Blue River, just a half hour away in Silverthorne. The Colorado River and Clear Creek are both about an hour From Breckenridge, with the Arkansas River also about an hour and 15 minutes.
The Closest Outpost to Breckenridge
Our outposts in Kremmling and Idaho Springs are both about an hour from Breckenridge, with our Buena Vista location slightly over an hour away.
For Beginners and Families
The Blue River Express offers a perfect introduction to rafting on a 1/3 trip. close to Breckenridge. These milder class III rapids are gentle enough for all ages 5 and up.
For Adrenaline Junkies
The Gauntlet on Pine Creek and The Numbers sections of the Arkansas River is some of the most intense rafting in the state. This stretch of the Arkansas River will get your heart pumping! And choose our Rappel into the Gauntlet trip for an extra rush, as you drop to your waiting raft.
Biking
Our bike rentals are located in downtown Breckenridge. Choose from a leisure, E-bike, mountain, or gravel bike and check out over 792 miles of trails. If you want a smooth ride, the rec path runs all the way from Breckenridge to Frisco with wonderful views of Lake Dillon and Breckenridge’s stunning mountain scenery.
Fly-Fishing
Just one hour north of Breckenridge through the beautiful Gore Canyon you can find some of the best fly fishing in Colorado on the Colorado River near Kremmling, Colorado. Experience a fishing float trip, a walk and wade trip, or an overnight adventure.
Ziplining
We offer two zipline courses near Breckenridge, each only about 1 hour from downtown. The first is in Buena Vista, Colorado, where you will fly high into the Collegiate Peaks and above the Arkansas River Valley. Our other course is located in Idaho Springs, built into the mountainside above the Chicago Creek and historic town.
Via Ferrata
Our Buena Vista and Idaho Springs locations also offers thrilling Via Ferrata courses. Climb high into the cliffsides and traverse across iron rungs, bars, and bridges. You can even soar across several lines of our zipline course!
Main Street
Take a stroll along Main Street in Breckenridge and explore its charming historic district. Lined with Victorian-era buildings housing boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes, Main Street offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Don’t miss landmarks like the Barney Ford House Museum, which tells the story of an escaped slave who became a prominent entrepreneur in Breckenridge.
Hiking Trails
Breckenridge is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and one of the best ways to experience it is by hiking on the area’s scenic trails. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk through snow-covered forests or a challenging trek to a mountain summit, Breckenridge has options for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Popular trails include the Burro Trail and the Peaks Trail.
Brewery Tour
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy a tour of the Breckenridge Brewery, where they can learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of craft beers. Founded in 1990, Breckenridge Brewery is known for its innovative brews and laid-back atmosphere. After the tour, visitors can relax in the brewery’s tasting room or outdoor beer garden, enjoying scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Epic Discovery Park
Explore the great outdoors at Breckenridge Epic Discovery Park, located at the base of Peak 8. This adventure park offers a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy during the summer months. Zip through the treetops on the Expedition Zipline Tour, navigate the Alpineer Challenge Course, or take a scenic chairlift ride to the mountaintop for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Explore Breckenridge Adventures
The Numbers 1/2 Day + Via Ferrata
This adventure will get your heart rate up and keep it up as you embark on our Numbers + Via Ferrata full-day excursion. This [...]
Mountaintop Ziplining In Colorado – Half Day
Fly between towering old-growth pine trees and cliffs on our Mountaintop Zipline, a unique Colorado experience fun for all ages. This course may be [...]
Blue River Express White Water Rafting Trip
Join AVA on the Blue River on this 1/3-day family-friendly rafting trip! Splash through class II-III rapids and marvel at the scenery around you [...]
The Numbers Half Day + Rock Climb
Experience an action-packed day with two of Colorado’s best mountain activities! On this multi-adventure package, you’ll have the opportunity to raft the iconic Arkansas [...]
24 Hours in Browns Canyon
Experience Colorado’s best overnight whitewater rafting. This trip provides a unique way to explore the most popular stretch of whitewater rafting in the country [...]
Browns Canyon Sizzler
The full-day Browns Canyon Sizzler represents the ultimate Colorado rafting experience! This trip offers a full day of classic white water rafting through class [...]
Scenic Float Full Day
Experience the natural beauty of the Colorado River on our Full Day Upper Colorado Full Day Scenic Float trip! You’ll paddle a gently flowing [...]
Buena Vista
Buena Vista, CO 81211
Located at the base of the Collegiate Peaks within the Sawatch Mountain Range, Buena Vista, Colorado sits at almost 8,000 feet in elevation, with more 14ers than in any other area in Colorado. The area also hosts the Continental Divide to the east, and the Arkansas River flows through the town, providing opportunities for both mountain and river adventures.
The town of Buena Vista dates back to 1880 and originally gained prominence for its mining and railroad industries. Today, many people visit Buena Vista for its namesake – to take in its “Beautiful views” and experience some of Colorado’s best outdoors. The area offers hiking, biking, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, Camping, and numerous other opportunities to explore the outdoors. Buena Vista is also well known for its local hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic and even medicinal qualities!
Our AVA outpost is located just 15 minutes north of Buena Vista, providing easy access to the best of the area’s outdoor adventures.
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs, CO
Idaho Springs, located just 30 minutes from Denver and within an hour of Boulder, Summit County and Winter Park, is home to one of our AVA outposts! Colorado’s first gold was discovered here, and it is said that the Gold Rush originated in Idaho Springs. Visitors can explore the areas rich history through tours of the Argo Mill and Tunnel and Phoenix Gold Mine and relax in the notable Indian Hot Springs. The town also boasts several unique and local restaurants you will want to check out after your outdoor adventure!
The Idaho Springs area offers the best Whitewater Rafting near Denver on the Clear Creek, and our outpost includes exciting cliffside Zipline and Via Ferrata tours. The area’s location near Mount Evans, one of Colorado’s numerous 14ers, offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, and visitors can drive to the summit via the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
Kremmling
1606 Park Avenue
Kremmling, CO 80459
Kremmling is the perfect destination for families looking for a mountain getaway. Our Upper Colorado River Scenic Float rafting trip welcomes adventurers as young as 2 years old on a half day or full day adventure on mellow Class II rapids. While in Kremmling, be sure to also try one of our Fly Fishing excursions or kick up dirt on our UTV Rentals!
You will find our Kremmling outpost just 45 minutes from Summit County and just under two hours from Denver.
Arkansas River
40671 US-24
Buena Vista, CO 81211
The Arkansas River in Colorado begins in the Sawatch Range near Leadville and Buena Vista and joins the Mississippi River in Arkansas. The Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s most notable natural landmarks and waterways and offers some of North America’s most popular whitewater stretches. Here you’ll find everything from the wild and challenging section of Pine Creek near Granite, CO, to the thrilling and scenic family-friendly rapids of Browns Canyon near Buena Vista, to the towering rock walls of the Royal Gorge near Cañon City. With every class of whitewater available and great Colorado rafting for families with young kids, groups and adrenaline junkies, Arkansas River rafting truly has something for everyone.
Blue River
Blue River Rafting, Silverthorne Colorado
The Blue River, a tributary of the mighty Colorado River, is a lesser-known Colorado gem. Beginning its journey in the mountains near Breckenridge and Frisco, it courses through high alpine scenery, rich green forests, and expansive ranchlands before merging with the Colorado River. Its crystal-clear waters are home to abundant trout, making it a paradise for fly-fishing enthusiasts, and beyond its banks, the Blue River Trail welcomes hikers and bikers to experience the surrounding beauty up-close.
The Blue River’s flow also powers recreational activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, offering thrilling ways to appreciate its beauty. Its stretch near Silverthorne, Colorado offers the closest Rafting to Breckenridge, Keystone and Frisco with incredible scenery of the Gore Range mountains. If you are visiting central Colorado, consider a Blue River rafting trip for an exciting whitewater excursion perfect for families, first-timers and those looking for a shorter adventure.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek
Clear Creek runs from Loveland Pass through Golden and The Front Range and eventually joins up with the South Platte River. This river flows through Clear Creek Canyon in the Rocky Mountains directly west of Denver, following alongside I-70 and through the town of Idaho Springs, where the first gold was found in the late 1850s during the Colorado gold rush.
Located in an old mining valley in the Colorado Rockies, its proximity to Denver, Boulder, Summit County and Winter Park makes Clear Creek rafting an easily accessible favorite for locals and travelers alike. Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Denver, our Idaho Springs outpost allows easy access to one of Colorado’s most well known rivers. Clear Creek runs through Idaho Spring’s historic mining valley, providing opportunities for scenic views and potential wildlife spotting, while flowing through fun and floaty rapids.
Colorado River
Kremmling, Colorado
The Colorado River, a spectacular force of nature, is the lifeblood of the American West. Meandering over 1,450 miles from the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the deserts of Mexico, this river passes through five U.S. states and eleven National Parks. As one of the longest rivers in the United States, it has etched some of the world’s most awe-inspiring features into the earth, including the Grand Canyon.
Along its course, the Colorado River represents a vital water source for millions of people and agricultural areas, as well as supports a rich diversity of wildlife. It also serves as a recreational paradise, offering world-class opportunities for white-water Rafting, Fishing, and Camping, and its rich and enduring history makes the Colorado River a crucial aspect of the landscape of the western United States.
The Colorado River offers rafting numerous opportunities for Whitewater Rafting amidst the backdrop of stunning scenery. From fun float trips appropriate for ages 2 and up to challenging, pulse-pounding rides, the Colorado River has river trips for everyone. Join AVA in Kremmling, Colorado for a trip down this mighty river, where the area’s mellower waters make it the perfect destination for river adventure, with activities including Rafting, Fly-Fishing, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding.